Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic Imaging, or medical imaging, scans are vital for accurately diagnosing and staging cancer, as well as tracking the progress of treatment.  Our in-office imaging centers provide advanced imaging services including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging, Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging, Ultrasound and Bone Densitometry.
 
Computed Tomography Imaging (CT)
Computed Tomography (CT) is an imaging diagnostic procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional pictures of the body.  The CT computer displays these pictures as detailed images of organs, bones and other tissues.  This procedure is also referred to as CT Scanning, computerized tomography or Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT).

Computed Tomography is used for the following:

• To detect or confirm the presence of a tumor
• To provide information about the size and location of a tumor and whether it has spread
• To guide a biopsy (the removal of cells or tissue for examination under a microscope)
• To help plan radiation therapy or surgery
• To determine whether the cancer is responding to treatment
• To determine bone density
• To diagnose pulmonary embolism
• To investigate other symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain, etc.

During a CT scan the person lies very still on a table.  The table slowly passes through the center of a large x-ray machine.  The person might hear a whirring sound during the procedure.  Some patients may be asked to hold their breath at times to prevent blurring of the images.  Often, a contrast agent or dye maybe given by mouth, in a vein, or by enema before a CT scan is done.  The contrast dye can highlight specific areas inside the body, resulting in a clearer image.
The length of the scan depends on the size of the area being x-rayed, usually taking about 15 minutes to 1 hour to complete.  The CT Scan is performed in our imaging centers on an out-patient basis and no hospital visit or overnight stay is required.

Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a procedure in which high-energy sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes.  The echo patterns are shown on the screen of the ultrasound machine, forming a pciture of body tissues called a sonogram.  This procedure is also called ultrasonography.

Ultrasound images of the breast are used to distinguish between solid tumors and fluid-filled cysts.  Ultrasound can also be used to evaluate lumps that are hard to see on a mammogram.   Although, ultrasound is not used for routine breast cancer screening because it does not consistently detect certain early signs of cancer such as microcalcifications, which are tiny deposits of calcium in the breast that cannot be felt, but can be seen on a conventional mammogram.  
In addition, ultrasound may be used in the diagnosis of cancer for other types such as of the ovary, pancreas, prostate, liver and kidney.

Diagnostic ultrasound is also used in vascular studies to aid in the detection of deep vein thrombosis, and also for echo studies (left ventricular ejection fractions).

Bone Densitometry
Bone Densitometry is a special procedure used to measure the amount of minerals (mostly calcium and phosphorous) contained in a certain volume of bone. Bone density measurements are used to diagnose osteoporosis (a condition marked by decreased bone mass), to see how well osteoporosis treatments are working, and to predict how likely the bones are to break. Low bone density can also occur in patients being treated for cancer. Bone densitometry is also sometimes called bone mineral density, BMD and bone mass.